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Garden River First Nation plans to block the transportation of goods through its territory by rail and road for 12 hours on Thursday.

The blockade is a show of support for Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence, who began a hunger strike on Dec. 11, to protest Canada's treatment of First Nations people.

It also is part of the national Idle No More protests, says Craig Sayers, head councillor for Garden River.

Protestors will block the rail line while others will close the Trans Canada Highway at the intersection of 17A and B, at the city limits from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sayers said the highway blockade will only affect transports and local traffic will be able to get through.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the OPP said Wednesday the Highway 17/17B intersection will be closed every 15 minutes on the hour Thursday and Highway 17B, from the Sault Ste. Marie east city limits to the Echo Bay Bridge, will be closed to thru traffic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Blockades and protests have been taking place across the country as part of a push for a meeting between the First Nations and the government.

More than 2,000 Idle No More protestors marched in Ottawa Friday in a “dire” call for change in an effort to pressure the government to meet and discuss treaty rights and “crises” plaguing First Nation communities.

A blockade of CN Rail in Sarnia, Ont. by Aamjiwnaang First Nation entered its fourth day on Monday.